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# Out Of State Plates Being Investigated By Iowa & NYC Authorities
- URL: https://bklyner.com/out-of-state-plates-being-investigated-by-iowa-nyc-authorities-2-ditmas-park/
- Published: 2013-08-29T12:50:19.000Z
- Updated: 2014-10-03T18:39:22.000Z
- Author: Nora Whelan
- Tags: Ditmas Park West, Ditmas Park West Association, iowa plates, out of state plates, #API-Imported

![Iowa Plates on Westminster 8/29/13](/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dpc_iowaplates_westm1.jpg)

Neighbors have noted that cars with out of state license plates–particularly Iowa plates–[have been occupying lots of space](/blog/transportation/whats-with-all-the-iowa-license-plates) in our area for a while now.

Recently, Cedar Rapids-based [KCRG-TV9](http://www.kcrg.com/?ref=bklyner.com) took a look into our neighbors’ claims, and their local authorities suspect the plates might have to do with something more sinister than paying less on insurance. From [their article](http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/New-York-Neighborhood-Seeing-Large-Number-Of-Linn-County-Plates-221519071.html?ref=bklyner.com):

> The cars, with mostly Linn and Polk county plates could have a legitimate use, but they could also be part of criminal scheme, said [Major Paul Steier](http://www.iowachiefs.org/boardmembers/paulsteier.html?ref=bklyner.com) with the [Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement](http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/omve/default.htm?ref=bklyner.com).

> “Human trafficking, drugs, you name it,” Steier said. “It’s still an active investigation.”

According to Steier, the [Iowa DOT](http://www.iowadot.gov/index.html?ref=bklyner.com#/services) and [Iowa Insurance Division](http://www.iid.state.ia.us/?ref=bklyner.com) are now collaborating with authorities in New York to address the issue. This is owed in part, the article says, to the efforts of Ditmas Park West neighbors including Joel Siegel, president of the Ditmas Park West Neighborhood Association, who wrote in May to the Iowa Insurance Division and other NY and IA agencies in order to get the problem resolved.

Agencies in Iowa are hoping to speak with our local police, but the coverage says Cedar Rapids paper [The Gazette](http://thegazette.com/?ref=bklyner.com)‘s phone calls to the [70th Precinct](http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/precincts/precinct%5F070.shtml?ref=bklyner.com) were not returned.